Do Veterans Get Free Cremation?
When a veteran passes away, the loved ones are often overwhelmed with grief and faced with the task of planning the funeral and burial arrangements. For many families, one of the biggest concerns is the cost of the ceremony. The good news is that the United States offers a variety of resources to help alleviate some of that burden. One of the questions many people ask is whether veterans get free cremation.
Direct Answer to the Question
Generally, no, veterans do not get free cremation. However, depending on the circumstances, certain aspects of the funeral and burial process may be free or heavily discounted. These benefits vary depending on the branch of service, length of service, and location of the veteran.
Contents
Eligible Services
Burial Benefits Program (BBA): This program provides for grave marker and burial flag as well as a government-supplied headstone or medal for eligible veterans.
• The burial flag is designed and provided by the American flag manufacturing industry at the U.S. government’s request.
• The gravesite flag is 15-by-30 feet of gleaming white nylon that honors the deceased veteran with an 8-foot height, the length of one who stood tall during our time of need.
• These services are typically at no cost to the eligible veterans or their families.
• There are also 25 veterans cemeteries with free interments.
Veterans Cremation Expenses Coverage
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers cremation coverage for eligible veterans and their spouses under Service-Related Deaths or Military Funeral Honors, Service-Related Non-Fatal Injuries. For these circumstances:
• Service-Related Deaths: The VA reimburses eligible families for qualified burial expenses, including the cost of cremation.
Important Note: Expenses not related to the official government ceremony, such as non-government-provided ceremony expenses, are not included.
Va Cemeteries with No Fees
Here is a list of the 25 veterans’ cemeteries operated by the VA that do not charge fees for grave purchases:
| Cemetery Location | Website |
|---|---|
| Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery | https://www.va.gov/om/burial-imternment-cemetery-states-arkansas-veterans-cemetery |
| Biloxi National Cemetery | https://www.va.gov/om/burial-imternment-cemetery-states-mississippi-biloxi-national-cemetery |
| Butte VA Cemetery | https://www.va.gov/om/burial-imternment-cemetery-states-montana-butte-veterans-cemetery |
| and others |
Please note that only specific areas within these cemeteries are open for no-fee services, usually the Section II Burial Areas.
Cemetery Fees May be Waived
Some cemeteries have policies allowing burial fee waivers for Unpaid Benefits, Back Due Bills, Error Corrections, or Financial Hardship cases.
How to Check Eligibility and Services
It’s essential to research eligibility for benefits and services directly through the Department of Veterans Affairs or the individual service branches:
• Visit https://www.va.gov/ or call the toll-free phone number (877) 222-6728 to inquire about individualized services and requirements.
• Reach out to each individual service branch:
| US Army | US Air Force | US Navy | US Marine Corps | US Coast Guard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| http://www.army.mil/ | https://www.usaf.af.mil/ | https://www.navy.mil/ | https://www.marines.mil/ | https://www.uscg.mil/ |
Note that while veterans do not typically receive free cremation, various benefits and discounted services may be available under specific circumstances. Families who believe they may be eligible should reach out to their relevant authorities to learn more and potentially receive financial aid or discounted services. By exploring the available options and eligibility criteria, they can find ways to make funeral arrangements more affordable and memorialize their loved ones in an honoring manner.
